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Re: Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation 2nd time

Google Merchant Center Misrepresentation 2nd time

SaintDs71
New Member
4 0 0

My products were all accepted then a few days later I was chatting with an agent from google ads online about the free ads and how to reach more people he stated I should pay to advertise, I declined to and stated I wanted to get some revenue first then I would well within an hour of doing so my account Goolge Merchant Center account was suspended for Misrepresentation. Keep in mind This is the 2nd time this has happened. 

 

Instead of giving up and canceling my account and canceling Shopify. I would love to find someone that can set properly set my account up to comply not only with Google but make sure I am able to comply with FB, Instagram etc. I am not looking for a website overhaul, this is just a side business. I am looking to make sure that all my Shopify store is up to par an to sell on Google and FB etc.... I would like someone that I am able to speak with on the phone as well so I can clearly communicate what everything, I'm looking for. I'm located in the US. 

Reply 1 (1)

EmmanuelFlossie
Shopify Partner
3460 264 834

If you share your website URL, I can provide a few examples. But you will find most common issues below.

 

Misrepresentation refers to trust related signals about your business.
 
For instance, inconsistencies may arise when the actual physical location of your business aligns differently from the information provided on your website, Google Merchant Center settings, public social media profiles, or other connected accounts. All these details must align and reflect the physical reality of your business.

Be clear about your business model and how you operate.

Operating your business in one geographic region while asserting that the corporate entity is based in a different jurisdiction.

Not providing an official business name and not having this matched accros the web.
 
The practice of setting up a virtual address or business in a location where your company does not operate is a typical example of misrepresentation.
 
Additionally, the overall quality of your website can be a form of misrepresentation. Therefore, it's essential to improve your website and populate it with original, high-quality content and not to copy-paste information from other websites.

Not including social links such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.
 
Trust indicators such as your Google Business Profile, Better Business Bureau (BBB) accreditation, and genuine customer reviews are critical to fostering a sense of legitimacy and reliability.

Show certificates from offiical 3rd party sources, if you have any.
 
Neglecting to include essential policies such as shipping, returns, privacy in the footer of your website can lead to misrepresentation. Instead, ensure all necessary policies are articulated and accessible to users for transparency and compliance.

Another example of this could be advertising a discounted price for an item, even though the product has not been sold at its alleged original price in recent history.

Copying content from other websites, including details items such as "About Us" pages or policy statements, is regarded as misrepresentation. 

Not having an original authentic about us page.

Failure to maintain inventory or lack of knowledge regarding stock quantity levels.

Missing or limited contact method.

Do not have any placeholder text or images.

Do not have any redirects or broken links.

If you have published a blog post, make sure customers can read the article.

Any discrepancy on your website or in your Google Merchant Center account that deviates from absolute truthfulness can be perceived as misleading, which could potentially be the reason for suspension.

https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/6363310/follow-the-merchant-center-guidelines
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/7052112
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/4752265
https://support.google.com/merchants/answer/13693865

Get in touch with Emmanuel: a Google Shopping Specialist, Google Ads Diamond Product Expert, and also a a Google Product Expert Education 2021 & Tailwind 2023 Award winner.
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